South Carolina Ports is implementing multiple initiatives to keep supply chains moving amid continuous disruptions in shipping.
The port noted that it has invested more than US$2 billion into port infrastructure and has hired more people to help keep goods moving in and out of the port — one of North America's busiest cargo gateway.
"SC Ports is responding to the record volumes and ongoing supply chain challenges in real-time with a variety of efforts, such as providing Sunday hours for motor carriers and selective term leasing of the port’s new chassis," SC Ports said in a statement, adding that the new Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal adds a much-needed berth to the East Coast port market.
"We will continue investing in strategic port infrastructure and deploying creative solutions to ensure fluidity for our customers," SC Ports CEO Jim Newsome said.
All-time record March container volume
Meanwhile, the port also reported an all-time container record in March, marking the 13th consecutive month of cargo records at the Port of Charleston.
"As we continue to handle record volumes on our terminals, SC Ports is working alongside our maritime community and logistics partners to navigate the many challenges felt across the entire supply chain," Newsome said.
"We are responding to customers' needs as we make progress on reducing the backlog," he added.
The port noted that a strong US consumer appetite for retail goods continues to drive record cargo levels, with imports up 16% year-over-year in March.
SC Ports handled 264,334 twenty-foot equivalent container units (TEUs) at Wando Welch Terminal, North Charleston Terminal, and Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal in March, up 6% from last year.
SC Ports has also moved 2.14 million TEUs thus far in the fiscal year 2022, from July through March, up 15% fiscal year-over-year.
SC Ports handled 145,415 pier containers — which accounts for containers of any size — in March, up 5% from last year.
Thus far in the fiscal year 2022, SC Ports has moved 1.19 million pier containers, up nearly 15% from the same period the year prior.